Bountysource, a crowdfunding platform for open-source software
The popularity of crowdfunding sites such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo has finally extended to developers with Bountysource, a crowdfunding platform for open-source software.
Bountysource allows open-source developers or any other community members to offer a “bounty” to developers to fix a particular bug or help develop a feature. The platform also holds “fundraisers,” campaigns designed to raise money for a project. Unlike other platforms, the developer behind the fundraiser receives the donated funds regardless of whether the goal is met.
Bountysource accepts cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin in addition to U.S. dollars, and the platform currently has more than 16,000 members contributing to fundraisers and project bounties. – Rob Marvin
Android L ART runtime to include AOT compiler
Android L, the newest version of Google’s mobile OS, will replace its longstanding Dalvik virtual machine with JIT (just in time) compilation with an AOT (ahead of time) compiler running on the new ART runtime.
The ART runtime adds improved garbage collection and debugging. AOT compilation compiles bytecode to native machine code on the device at installation, and stores the native code for later execution in both permanent storage and in RAM. The ART runtime does retain the hardware flexibility benefits of JIT compilation, where the OS knows the hardware will not change and so is able to optimize the code to match the processor.
For more information, check out the Android L API overview – Rob Marvin
Microsoft announces new Windows Developer Program for the IoT
Microsoft is rolling out a new program designed for Window developers interested in the Internet of Things (IoT). The program utilizes familiar Win32 development and debugging tools, and it provides rapid hardware development and an open community.
As part of the program, the company is also launching a Windows Developer for IoT Portal that will provide documentation and examples to support the hundreds of IoT developer kits Microsoft plans on shipping each week this summer.
“We’ve already seen an overwhelming amount of interest in Windows for IoT,” Steve Teixeira, director of program management for Microsoft’s IoT, wrote on the company’s blog. – Christina Mulligan
Microsoft launches Windows Apportals
To improve Windows 8 application management, Microsoft has announced Windows Apportals, a new technology designed to integrate, organize and reveal line-of-business data and apps onto one single touch-based experience.
“The concept behind Apportals is simple: introduce the same nested folder structure common in a desktop OS to the modern mobile OS,” the company wrote on its blog.
Apportals are built on Windows 8.1 and are powered by OS-level interoperability to provide access anytime and anywhere; are deployed and automatically updated through the Corporate App Store; and can filter, share and display data on live tiles based on a user’s role. – Christina Mulligan
Raspberry Pi introduces Raspberry Pi Model B+
Raspberry Pi has announced a new product that provides numerous small improvements that people have been asking for since the launch of Raspberry Pi Model B.
The new product, Raspberry Pi Model B+, is the same price and has the same app processor and software as the previous model, but has improved the GPIO header to 40 pins; added two more USB 2.0 ports; replaced the old SD card socket to a push-push micro SD version; replaced linear regulators with switching ones to reduce power consumption; incorporated a low-noise power supply to the audio circuit; and cleaned up the form factor. – Christina Mulligan
New technology academy opening in New York
Dev studio HappyFunCorp has announced the HappyFunAcademy to teach people skills to succeed in technology startups and the technology industry.
“Because we are a software company first, our interest is in providing a real world environment for students,” wrote the company on its website. “We want them to work on building their skills in the same context that they will find when they move into the field on their own.”
Students will interact with guests, developers, project managers and product specialists to get an inside look at various roles in the industry. They will also learn Ruby on Rails; Ruby; HTML5; JavaScript; CSS3; and Git for version control. – Christina Mulligan
